Southampton have a long history of producing really talented players from their academy.
The likes of Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer and Gareth Bale are all products of the famed Southampton academy, with the trio boasting remarkable careers.
Le Tissier spent the entirety of his career at Southampton and that is obviously the dream scenario but plenty have gone on to greatness elsewhere.
Russell Martin is currently benefitting from the experience of 36-year-old midfielder Adam Lallana who progressed through the Saints ranks before leaving for Liverpool a decade ago.
Lallana returned for free in the summer and has impressed on the pitch whilst being a real asset off it.
- READ MORE: Southampton star Adam Lallana hailed as ‘priceless’ after what he’s done off the pitch recently
Theo Walcott is another player who left Southampton before returning at the end of his career before retiring in 2023 and the ex-Saint has been speaking on the latest talent to emerge from Staplewood.
Theo Walcott on Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling
Walcott was at St Mary’s on Sunday as a Southampton legends team faced a Russell Martin XI to raise money for charity.
- READ MORE: Theo Walcott and Francis Benali discuss playing with each other for Southampton legends team
Sky Sports interviewed the former Saints forward and he spoke on the current crop of youngsters, as well as why Southampton produce quality youth products so regularly.
Walcott explained: “They have got some nice young players coming through. Obviously, Tyler Dibling, you know, I actually shared the field with him a few times at Southampton when he came up the ranks.
“And it’s another one from the academy which, you know, we have got to be very proud of because they have built some very good players.
“It’s one of those where you always need to be a bit cautious on players that come through, but look he has already shown signs at such a young age of how confident he is and how free he wants to play.
“I always feel like that’s the gift that Southampton always give is the freedom they allow the young players to come and express themselves, And they get rewarded and he’s getting rewarded right now.”
Southampton face battle to keep Dibling
Walcott left Southampton aged just 17 as Arsenal secured a move for the youngster who was tearing up the Championship in 2006.
The St Mary’s faithful will hope they get to enjoy Dibling for longer than the solitary season they did Walcott before he left for North London.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin lays down ‘challenge’ to Southampton gem Tyler Dibling amid Adam Lallana claim
18-year-old Dibling scored his first senior goal against Ipswich Town in just his second league start this season and has already attracted the attention of some of England’s top clubs.
Having already become a key member of Martin’s side, Southampton should be doing everything they can to keep Dibling for as long as possible.